DUANE ALLEN MINDEN

Our beloved Husband, Dad, and Papa passed away on November 13 at Aspen Park of Cascadia in Moscow. Duane Allen Minden, 78, was the firstborn of Lester Allen and June Elaine (Rice) Minden on May 15, 1947. He was joined by brothers Ron, Alvin, and Rick, and sister Sharon.

Duane was raised on Hatter Creek in Princeton, Idaho. While growing up, he belonged to the Hatter Creek Country Cousins 4-H club and was a lifetime member of the Cayuse Kids Saddle Club. Duane attended schools in Peck and Potlatch, graduating in 1965. He played football and baseball and was part of the infamous gang known as "The Damn Mindens".

He enlisted in the U.S. Army and proudly served from 1966–1969, spending his service time in Crailsheim, Germany. He served both as a medic and a mechanic in the motor pool. Duane was an E5 Specialist when he was honorably discharged.

He married Jo Lazelle on July 18, 1970, and immediately became dad to Keri. They made their home on West Cove Road. Becoming a parent was one of Duane's greatest joys. He loved his children – Keri, Chad born in 1971, and Brad in 1977, and instilled in them honesty, respect, and a strong work ethic, always laced with love and humor.

Duane worked many jobs over the years, with his final and longest being 20 years at the Palouse Mall. It was a perfect fit-he was a people person who never knew a stranger. Before health issues, Duane enjoyed riding horses, camping, 4-wheeling, and dancing. He was the best dancer. Above all, he loved his family and took immense pride in being a papa.

The family would like to thank the employees of Aspen Park for their exceptional care and kindness to Duane. They truly became part of our family.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Jo; daughter Keri (Paul); sons Chad (Carrie) and Brad (Heidi); grandchildren Savannah, Allyson, Shasta, Taylor, Kalli, Brooklyn, Casey (Abigail), Cody, and Gage; brothers Ron, Alvin, and Rick (Davalee); sister Sharon Moore (David); and many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.

Duane's service will be January 3, 2026, at 1 p.m. at the Princeton Nazarene Church.

Donations in memoriam may be made to:
• Cayuse Kids Saddle Club, P.O. Box 152, Princeton, ID 83857
• Potlatch VFW, P.O. Box 121, Potlatch, ID 83855

Kramer Funeral Home, Palouse, WA is caring for the family. Online condolences may be left at
www.kramercares.com.